ALL indications point to Paul Kagame securing another overwhelming victory in Rwanda’s presidential election, with early results suggesting he has won over 90% of the vote for a historic fourth term as president.
Rwandans went to the polls on Monday to elect their next president, with incumbent Kagame taking a commanding lead in early results. The election is widely expected to extend Kagame’s near quarter-century rule over the East African nation.
According to Reuters, the National Electoral Commission said, with 78.94% of votes counted, Kagame was ahead with 99.15% of the votes. The overall voter turnout was reported at an impressive 98% of the 9 million registered voters.
Two opposition candidates, Frank Habineza from the Democratic Green Party and independent Philippe Mpayimana, also contested the election. However, analysts and rights groups had predicted Kagame’s overwhelming victory was virtually assured, given his track record of winning over 93% of the vote in the last three elections.
Kagame, who has been credited with helping end the 1994 genocide in Rwanda and fostering economic development, has faced criticism from human rights organizations. These groups have accused authorities of cracking down on journalists, opposition figures, and civil society groups in the lead-up to the vote.
The election process itself appeared to run smoothly, with voters at polling stations in the capital Kigali reporting calm and orderly proceedings. The National Electoral Commission is expected to release provisional results by July 20.
While Kagame’s re-election may signal continued political stability for Rwanda, it is likely to attract ongoing international scrutiny due to concerns about human rights and allegations of supporting rebels in neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo – charges Kagame has denied.
